The Washington Arts Ensemble Presents:

Tenor and Trout

Thursday, April 13, 2023

6:30 pm  -  10:00 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Public (non-members) tickets: Buy Now!

Franz Schubert's song, “Die Forelle,” is a simple folk-like melody set to a poem depicting a “happy little trout” that is caught by a “cheating” fisherman. The song was so popular in its time that Schubert composed a beloved piano quintet of unusual instrumentation; swapping the second violin for a double bass. Enjoy Schubert lieder at its finest, followed by the “Trout Quintet,” featuring cofounders and pianists Christopher Schmitt and Natalia Kazaryan, cellist Char Prescott, and bassist Aaron Clay.

Washington Classical Review:

"Washington Arts Ensemble flourishes with new downtown series

While some established arts organizations struggled to survive the coronavirus lockdowns, other new ones found their niche. Washington Arts Ensemble, founded in 2021 just before the Omicron wave of the pandemic, took a gamble on live performance and continues to thrive. The latest in its series of monthly concerts took place Thursday night in the intimate performance space of the Arts Club of Washington.

Anecdotal reports from presenters and listeners around the Washington area indicate that attendance at classical music events has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. It seems likely that a small series may have an edge over its larger competitors, by keeping costs low and operations flexible. The venue’s parlor, named after the building’s most famous occupant, President James Monroe, seats only about 90 people.

The group’s founders, pianists Natalia Kazaryan and Christopher Schmitt, each presided over a program half. The ensemble’s events feature receptions with wine and food before and after the performance. This was a controversial choice when the group launched, just as some organizations were canceling live events again, but the audience was primed and enthusiastic, especially when given spoken program notes about the pieces by both pianists."

Reception begins at 6:30, followed by the concert at 7:15.

6:30 - wine and hors d'oeuvres

7:15 - concert followed by reception

Discounted parking after 6 pm at 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.